Gothic

1 of 2

adjective

Goth·​ic ˈgä-thik How to pronounce Gothic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or resembling the Goths, their civilization, or their language
2
a
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of architecture developed in northern France and spreading through western Europe from the middle of the 12th century to the early 16th century that is characterized by the converging of weights and strains at isolated points upon slender vertical piers and counterbalancing buttresses and by pointed arches and vaulting
Gothic cathedrals
b
: of or relating to an architectural style reflecting the influence of the medieval Gothic
3
often not capitalized : of or relating to a style of fiction characterized by the use of desolate or remote settings and macabre, mysterious, or violent incidents
Gothic novels
gothically adverb
Gothicness noun

Gothic

2 of 2

noun

1
2
: Gothic art style or decoration
specifically : the Gothic architectural style
3
: the East Germanic language of the Goths see Indo-European Languages Table
4
often not capitalized : a novel, film, or play in the gothic style

Examples of Gothic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The stately Venetian Gothic tower commands a prime location on Michigan Avenue, across the street from the shiny bean sculpture known as Cloud Gate, the Crown Fountain, and the Pritzker Music Pavilion. Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Baker was quite an influential producer in the 1970s and 1980s, serving as a producer for four of The Cars‘ albums, Mötley Crüe’s debut studio album Too Fast for Love and The Smashing Pumpkins’ 2007 and 2008 records, Zeitgeist and American Gothic. Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025 Baker continued his output into the 21st century, producing the 2005 album One Way Ticket to Hell … and Back for the Darkness, along with Smashing Pumpkins’s 2007 album, Zeitgeist, and 2008 album, American Gothic. Justin Curto, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025 When looking for dark academia baby names, think of literary references, Greek mythology, ancient history, and a touch of Gothic edge. Kara Nesvig, Parents, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Gothic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see Goth entry 1

Noun

see Goth entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Gothic was in 1575

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Cite this Entry

“Gothic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gothic. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

Gothic

adjective
Goth·​ic
ˈgäth-ik
: relating to or being an old style of architecture (as for churches) having pointed arches, thin tall walls, and large windows
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